More Community Health Centers Needed?

SIOUX FALLS, SD - A down economy and changes to the health care industry in Washington could mean more community health centers in South Dakota.

Senator Tim Johnson was in Sioux Falls today and spoke with community health leaders about future needs.

The message waiting for Johnson was how South Dakota's demand for health care services continues to out pace its capacity. The economy is playing a big role in that. Falls Community Health in Sioux Falls has seen an increase in patients over the past few years.

"We monitor and measure and know there are still unmet needs in the community which has definitely increased with the downturn of the economy over the last couple of years," Sioux Falls Department of Health Director Jill Franken said.

Community Health currently has 44,000 visits annually. With changes in the industry and the poor economy, that number is on expected to rise.